Protector of Peace or Hypocrite?

I live within a block or so of Broadway Market, in the sub-neighborhood known as Little Hill. When I moved in several years ago, I did not expect to live in silence. I like the steady hum of urban life – the cars, the pets, the delivery trucks, and (yes!) even the occasional 2am party girl. (Be nice, we’ve all been THAT girl.) But in the past 2 weeks, there’s a new kid on the block and I believe he may slowly drive me deep into the bowels of the Institution Belt.

Enter La Puerta’s constant loud patio music.

La Puerta is nestled on the top of QFC in the Broadway Market. Given its height advantage, La Puerta’s music now envelopes Little Hill from 9am to after 10pm most days. It was cute at first – everyone appreciates a little Cinco de Mayo celebration. But hour after hour, day after day, it’s muy muy mal. But what’s equally aggravating is that I feel like a NIMBY for the first time in my life with a new inner dialogue: “I want to live in the most urban neighborhood in Seattle!” “Turn down that noise!” “Anything east of 12th is too suburban for me!” “Turn down that noise!” Yes, yes. I’ve looked at the noise ordinance, checked out the zoning issues, and even spoken directly with the staff. Hell, I even wrote a haiku about it – so take that La Puerta! But nothing has really changed and it probably won’t.

So now, for the first time, I am seriously considering moving into the ‘burbs -- i.e., the Fancy Pants, Miller Park, etc. (Did you know there are mountains on the other side of the hill?!) In the mean time, I’ll continue to enjoy my 14 second walk to Pho Cyclo. Except, have you heard the muzak coming from that place….?!?!